A new lawsuit has been filed against Will Smith, and his legal team is swiftly pushing back against the allegations, categorically denying any wrongdoing.
The suit alleges sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation stemming from Joseph’s time performing on Smith’s global Based on a True Story tour in 2025.
According to the filing, Joseph claims Smith engaged in behavior that amounted to “grooming and priming” him for sexual exploitation after inviting him to join the tour in late 2024.
The complaint centers on an alleged incident in March 2025, when Joseph says he returned to his Las Vegas hotel room and discovered signs that someone had entered without forced entry. Among the items listed in the lawsuit were a handwritten note reading,
“Brian, I’ll be back…just us,” accompanied by a heart and signed “Stone F,” as well as various personal items Joseph claims did not belong to him.
Joseph alleges that after reporting the situation to hotel staff, a local non-emergency police line, and Smith’s management team, he was later “shamed” by a member of tour management and informed that his services were no longer needed.
The lawsuit claims another violinist was subsequently hired to take his place. Joseph is seeking damages for what the complaint describes as severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and long-term mental health impacts, including PTSD.
Smith’s attorney has firmly rejected those claims. In a statement provided to People on January 1, Allen B. Grodsky said, “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless.” The statement continued, “They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
Days before filing the lawsuit, Joseph appeared to reference the situation in a video shared to Instagram on December 25. Without naming Smith directly, he said he was hired for a “major, major tour” and that events occurred that led to his termination after he raised concerns.
“Getting fired or getting blamed or shamed or threatened or anything like that simply for reporting sexual misconduct or safety threats at work is not okay,” Joseph said. He added, “I know that there’s a lot of other people out there who have been afraid to speak out… and if that’s you, I see you.”
The lawsuit arrives as Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, are already dealing with separate legal scrutiny. Pinkett Smith is currently facing a pending $3 million lawsuit filed by former family associate Bilaal Salaam, who alleges she threatened him during a 2021 confrontation and later engaged in a retaliatory campaign against him.
Both cases remain pending in court.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault or workplace harassment, help is available. In the U.S., confidential support is offered through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at rainn.org.
